Luminescence and optical absorption properties of Nd(3+) ions in K-Mg-Al phosphate and fluorophosphate glasses.

Absorption and emission properties and fluorescence lifetimes for the [Formula: see text] transition of Nd(3+) ions embedded in P(2)O(5)-K(2)O-MgO-Al(2)O(3) (PKMA)-based glasses modified with AlF(3) and BaF(2) are reported at room temperature. The observed energy levels of Nd(3+) ions in these glasses have been analysed through a semi-empirical free-ion Hamiltonian model. The spin-orbit interaction and net electrostatic interaction experienced by the Nd(3+) ions follow the trend as PKMA>PKMA+AlF(3)> PKMA+BaF(2) glasses. Judd-Ofelt analysis has been carried out on the absorption spectra of 1.0 mol% Nd(3+)-doped glasses to predict the radiative properties for the fluorescent levels of the Nd(3+) ion. Branching ratios and stimulated emission cross-sections show that the [Formula: see text] transition of the glasses under investigation has the potential for laser applications. The Inokuti-Hirayama model has been applied to investigate the non-radiative relaxation of the Nd(3+) ion emitting state, (4)F(3/2). Based on the decay curve analysis, concentration quenching of the (4)F(3/2) emission has been attributed to a cross-relaxation process between the Nd(3+) ions.

Photoluminescence from the (5)D(0) level of Eu(3+) ions in a phosphate glass under pressure.

The pressure dependence of the luminescence from [Formula: see text] transitions of Eu(3+) ions in 58.5P(2)O(5)-9Al(2)O(3)-14.5BaO-17K(2)O-1Eu(2)O(3) glass has been investigated up to 38.3 GPa at room temperature. The relative luminescence intensity ratio of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] transitions of the Eu(3+) ions is found to decrease with increasing pressure, indicating a lowering of the asymmetry around the Eu(3+) ions with pressure. The [Formula: see text] transitions exhibit pressure-induced red shifts of different magnitude, which suggests a decrease in Slater parameters (F(k)) and in the spin-orbit coupling parameters (ζ) for the Eu(3+) ions. Stark components of the (7)F(1) level have been used to evaluate the crystal-field (CF) parameters B(20) and B(22), which are in turn used to estimate the CF strength experienced by the Eu(3+) ions in the glass. The observed increase in the CF strength parameter is found to have an almost cubic dependence on pressure. Luminescence decay curves for the [Formula: see text] transition are found to be single exponential over the entire pressure range studied. The lifetime did not change under pressure up to 5 GPa, although a significant change in the CF strength is noticed in this pressure range. The reduction of lifetime observed at pressures above 5 GPa could be partially due to an increase of pressure-induced defect centres. Such a process can then explain the hysteresis observed in the variation of lifetime and crystal-field strength on the release of pressure.